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Cooper, Thompson propel FC Dallas past Chivas

Apr 21, 2008 - 4:09 AM CARSON, California (Ticker) -- Kenny Cooper scored early and Abe Thompson added another tally late as FC Dallas posted a 2-0 victory over Chivas USA on Sunday night.

Dario Sala made two saves to secure his second shutout of the season and 13th career for FC Dallas (2-0-2), which has won two straight games after tying its first two contests of the season.

"We started the game very well," Dallas coach Steve Morrow said. "We processed the ball well. I think from the start of the season, each game, we have moved the ball better then the last."

"Tonight was a big night for us," Cooper said. "We tied at home and to come here and win is really big. I think we showed how deep we are, getting a shutout. We've had a real positive start to the season and I hope it continues."

Cooper gave Dallas an early lead when he took a head pass from Ricardinho right in front of the goal and blasted a right-footed shot into the net in the fifth minute.

"From the beginning of the game, I felt that the team wasn't alert or sharp," Chivas coach Preki said, "especially in the first 20-25 minutes and giving up an early goal in the first five minutes of the game. Sometimes this can set the pace for the whole game."

Thompson then sealed the win in the 80th minute when he took a long outlet pass from Arturo Alvarez, rushed in alone and fired a shot past Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan to extend the advantage to 2-0.

"When you score that first goal, it's always going to be tough in the second half," Preki said. "They put 10 guys in defense and waited for their chances to counter attack. In a lot of ways, we didn't put enough energy into this game to get a result."

That was more than enough offense for Sala, who received a little help in the waning minutes when Ante Razov's shot in the 90th minute hit the crossbar.

Guzan made just one save for Chivas (1-2-1), who have now surrendered six goals in the last two games.